Tired of the same old pasta sauces? Craving a vibrant, fresh, and incredibly flavorful sauce that's ready in minutes? Then look no further! This cherry tomato sauce recipe is your ticket to a quick and easy weeknight dinner that tastes like pure sunshine. It's the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and slightly savory, making it a delicious and healthy addition to your repertoire of easy recipes. This homemade cooking project is surprisingly simple, even for beginner cooks, transforming ordinary pasta into an extraordinary meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra depth)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. This simple step builds the flavor base of your delicious dish.
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Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the saucepan. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix to combine the flavors.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. This slow cooking process is key to developing a deep and delicious sauce.
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Enhance the Flavor (Optional): If you like a more complex flavor profile, stir in the balsamic vinegar during the last 5 minutes of simmering. The balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that perfectly complements the tomatoes.
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Blend (Optional): For a smoother sauce, carefully transfer the cooked tomatoes to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Alternatively, you can leave it chunky for a rustic texture. This is a matter of personal preference.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your homemade cherry tomato sauce immediately over your favorite pasta, alongside grilled chicken or fish, or as a topping for pizza. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cherry Tomato Sauce:
- Use ripe tomatoes: The flavor of your sauce heavily depends on the quality of your tomatoes. Choose ripe, flavorful cherry tomatoes for the best results.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a large quantity of tomatoes, consider cooking them in batches to prevent steaming instead of simmering.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: As your sauce simmers, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, herbs, or balsamic vinegar depending on your preference.
Variations:
- Add some vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or onions.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This quick and easy cherry tomato sauce is a perfect example of delicious dishes you can create with simple ingredients. It's a healthy meal option, ideal for busy weeknights, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this burst of summer flavor any time of the year!